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Local authorities cannot be trusted with the care of children

This story in The Times confirms that local authorities have a tendency to be complacent about the care of children in local authority care. This was also clear in A and S v Lancs CC [2012] EWHC 1689 (Fam).

The underlying problem is that it is not possible to challenge the way in which a local authority is caring for a child from outside the local authority. The Independent Reviewing Officer is an employee of the local authority and hence not independent. I proposed in my private members bill a system where the LA would be open to challenge. Unsurprisingly the Association of Childrens Services Directors opposed this. The government opposed the bill. The government believes in trusting local authorities implicitly in caring for children that they are responsible for. I do not.

Comments

Jerry said…
Kirsty X v Oldham explores more and in more detail to the problems faced when an attempt to challenge the L.A and their care of a child

http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/Misc/2013/7.html
5:25 pm
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